Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My old Food-saver died, so I replaced it with this model.
The first time I used it-to seal about 10 bags- it worked great. The lid latches when you put a bag into it, and that makes the whole process hands-free and much easier. It pulled a pretty good vacuum, and I got good seals on a collection of new and re-used bags.
It does seem to take more space at the top- 2" or so- to get a seal. There doesn't seem to be any reason for this gap other than to sell more bags-but that was a minor irritation.
It also came with two little foam inserts that prevent the lid from resting on the base when you store it. This was supposedly a major problem with the older units, resulting in a deformed gasket which didn't allow for good seals.
The second time I tried to use this product, it wouldn't pull a consistent vacuum. On some bags it would have a great vacuum, while on others it would barely pull any air out of the bag at all before it sealed. It didn't seem to matter whether they were new or reused bags, how far into the trough I put the top of the bag, what side of the bag was up, how full the bag was, or anything else I could determine.
It took forever to get 10 bags sealed. I ended up trying most of them multiple times, tossing some bags away, and saying "good enough" to a number of bags that still had air in them. I could have done better with a straw and a ziploc bag.
Lucky it was only 3 weeks since I bought it, and I was able to return it for a refund to BiMart. After seeing the other reviews, and my own experience, I did not take an exchange. Not sure what I will try next, as the FoodSaver products seem to set new standards for expensive, cheaply made junk.
Update: I just bought a Kenmore (Sears) sealer for about $100. It doesn't look to be of much higher quality, and in fact looks like the same company built it. But for another $13, Sears will give you a 3 year warranty (that I will no doubt need) which makes the quality of this product their problem.
Click Here to see more reviews about: FoodSaver V2040 Vacuum-Packaging System
By keeping air out and sealing freshness in, this home vacuum-packaging system eliminates freezer burn and keeps foods fresh and delicious up to five times longer than conventional storage methods. The appliance comes with a push-and-lock latch for hands-free operation, plus a full-sized vacuum channel that delivers a crush-free instant seal. Its canister mode and accessory port allow for vacuum packaging FoodSaver canisters, jar sealer lids, universal lids, and bottle stoppers. The vacuum sealer also features an easy-to-clean anti-bacterial drip tray that accommodates vacuum packaging moist items in a FoodSaver bag. Accessories include one 11-by-10-inch roll of bag material, one 3-quart-size bag, two 1-gallon-size bags, an accessory hose, as well as hose storage clips. The vacuum-packaging system measures 14-3/4 by 9 by 3-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
Click here for more information about FoodSaver V2040 Vacuum-Packaging System
